Iconic Singer Barry Manilow to Undergo an Operation for a Lung Cancer Diagnosis.
Barry Manilow announced that he was diagnosed with lung cancer and will be having a surgical procedure.
Early-Stage Diagnosis
The octogenarian performer, whose parade of high-spirited hits from "I Write the Songs" has made him one of pop music’s cherished performers, will have an operation to take out a section of lung tissue in an effort to combat the condition, which is in its early stages.
“For those who have been following, I recently suffered from six weeks of a bronchial infection followed by a return of another five weeks.
“Although I was over the bronchitis and back on stage at the Westgate Las Vegas, my excellent physician insisted on an MRI just to be certain that all was clear.
“The MRI identified a cancerous spot on my lung that requires removed. It’s incredible chance (and a skilled doctor) that it was found so early.”
Postponed Performances
He has rescheduled a series of planned live performances, but indicated he would be on stage again by Valentine’s Day for his longstanding residency in Las Vegas.
He added: “The physicians do not believe it has metastasized and I’m taking tests to confirm their diagnosis. So, that’s it. No chemotherapy. Radiation therapy is off the table. Just rest and recuperation and classic TV.
“I’m counting the days until I rejoin my familiar venue at the Westgate Las Vegas for our special weekend performances.”
A Long Career and Personal Life
Manilow is presently in his 16th year of a concert series in Nevada. The singer has enjoyed a career spanning many years in the public eye and publicly identified as gay in 2017, after marrying his longtime partner and manager in secret in 2014.
The pair were in a clandestine relationship for over 35 years. Last year, Manilow discussed how vital his husband had been to him during his ascent to stardom in the 1970s.
“During my rapid rise to fame, it was just overwhelming. And, you know, coming home to an lonesome hotel suite, you can find yourself in a lot of difficulty if you, you know, you’re alone repeatedly,” he said.
“But I met Garry right around when it was taking off. And I was spared from having to go back to those isolated suites. I had a partner to cry with or to enjoy success with.
“I wish that young people don’t have to go back to those suites by themselves, because you might succumb to pitfalls. I never did. But it was very solitary until I met Garry. And then it was a shared adventure.”